Stalzer, Cathy

The mission of the Loudoun County Public Schools is to teach all students how to read and comprehend written text so that they may become independent readers and lifelong learners. At the elementary level, a variety of instructional methodologies are employed to assist students in learning to read and reading to learn.

At Lowes Island, we use a balanced literacy approach to reading which develops students into successful, lifelong readers and critical thinkers. A balanced literacy approach to instruction provides students with multiple opportunities to engage in reading and writing activities daily. A variety of leveled fiction and informational text are used to teach guided reading in small groups according to students' instructional needs.

What is PALS?

The Phonological Awareness and Literacy Screening (PALS) is the state provided screening tool for Virginia's Early Intervention Reading Initiative. PALS is administered in grades K-3. The major purpose of PALS is to identify those students who are below grade-level expectations and may be in need of additional reading instruction.

What is DRA?

The Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) is an individualized reading assessment that is designed to find the students' independent reading level. The DRA assesses the student’s oral reading fluency and comprehension. There are benchmark levels that have been established for fall, mid-year, and spring for each grade level.

What is Word Study?

Word Study is a learner-centered approach to instruction in phonics, spelling, word recognition, and vocabulary. In this spelling program the students learn about words through examination of specific phonetic features by sorting, making, manipulating, and writing words, as well as a variety of other activities. Participation in this program will help all students understand the relationships among sounds, spelling patterns, and word meanings.